MOOC Introducción al Desarrollo Web, parte 2 - 4.19 Eduardo Manchón (2) - Google Actívate

Summary

In this video, Sergio Luján Mora interviews Eduardo Manchón, the founder of Panoramio and a web usability expert. Manchón offers three key usability tips for web development: 1) Prototype early and often, starting with low-fidelity designs to avoid over-investment in a concept. 2) Consider the impact of mobile applications, which have simplified web interactions, moving towards minimalism and straightforwardness. 3) Emulate consistent interfaces, avoiding reinventing the wheel, as usability is about creating familiar and predictable experiences. He emphasizes the importance of programmers understanding usability to create products that are genuinely user-centric.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sergio Luján Mora introduces Eduardo Manchón, known for founding Panoramio and being an expert in web usability.
• 🔍 Eduardo emphasizes the importance of prototyping before developing, suggesting starting with low-fidelity prototypes to avoid being attached to them.
• ✏️ He advises using simple tools like paper and pencil or basic software for prototyping to easily iterate and correct mistakes.
• 📱 Eduardo notes the impact of mobile applications on web design, pushing for simpler, more straightforward web interfaces.
• 📊 He suggests looking at consistent and coherent interfaces like those of the iPhone and iPad as examples to follow for usability.
• 🚫 Eduardo warns against reinventing the wheel in usability, advocating for using established patterns that users are familiar with.
• 🤝 He highlights the need for programmers to work closely with product and design teams to ensure usability is considered throughout the development process.
• 🛠️ Eduardo points out that technology and usability should be intertwined from the start, not an afterthought to fix issues.
• 📱 He mentions that mobile applications, like those on iPhones, have forced developers to simplify and improve usability due to screen size constraints.
• 👥 Lastly, Eduardo stresses the importance of keeping the end-user in mind, as products are made for users, not just for developers.

Q & A

Who is Eduardo Manchón?

Eduardo Manchón is well-known in the web development world as the founder of Panoramio and as an expert in usability.

What are the three key usability tips Eduardo Manchón offers in the video?

The three key usability tips offered by Eduardo Manchón are: 1) Prototyping before developing anything, starting with low-fidelity prototypes that can be easily modified or discarded. 2) Considering the impact of mobile applications on web design, which has led to a trend towards simpler, more straightforward web interfaces. 3) Copying interfaces that are consistent and coherent, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, as consistency is key for usability.

Why is prototyping important according to Eduardo Manchón?

Prototyping is important because it allows developers to quickly iterate and make changes before investing significant time in development. It's a way to test ideas and usability without getting attached to a particular design that may need to be discarded later.

What does Eduardo Manchón suggest regarding the level of detail in prototypes?

Eduardo Manchón suggests avoiding too much detail in early prototypes to prevent becoming attached to them and to facilitate easy changes. He recommends starting with low-fidelity prototypes, such as those made with paper and pencil or basic software like Balsamiq.

How does the rise of mobile applications influence web design according to Eduardo Manchón?

Eduardo Manchón points out that the rise of mobile applications has had a significant impact on web design, pushing web interfaces to become simpler, more straightforward, and focused on core actions, similar to the user experience provided by mobile apps.

What is the significance of consistency and coherence in web design as per Eduardo Manchón?

Consistency and coherence in web design are significant because they make the interface predictable and clear to users. Eduardo Manchón emphasizes that copying interfaces that are consistent and coherent is better than inventing new ones that may confuse users.

Why should developers not reinvent the wheel when it comes to usability?

Developers should not reinvent the wheel because usability patterns and interface elements that have been proven to work should not be changed without good reason. Doing so can lead to user confusion and a poor user experience.

What role do programmers play in ensuring usability in a product, as discussed by Eduardo Manchón?

Programmers play a crucial role in ensuring usability by working closely with product and design teams to understand and implement usability principles. Eduardo Manchón mentions that some programmers have a clear understanding of usability, while others may need to focus more on the user interface and its interaction with the underlying technology.

How should programmers approach the balance between technology and usability?

Programmers should approach the balance between technology and usability by having a clear understanding of both aspects. Eduardo Manchón suggests that usability considerations should be integrated from the beginning rather than being an afterthought, and that programmers should work closely with designers to ensure a seamless user experience.

What advice does Eduardo Manchón give for programmers to improve usability in their projects?

Eduardo Manchón advises programmers to have a clear vision of usability from the start, work collaboratively with product and design teams, and learn from the simplicity and consistency of mobile applications like those on the iPhone and iPad.